A friendly billiard hall with fussball and pool tables. A small snack bar. Open to public from 1 to 2 p.m. The cheapest table in the metro Detroit area - only $.50 per game. The tables run at $3 per hour before 7 p.m. and $5 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m..

Anyone can show up here. Detroit's only late night jazz club serving up Cajun catfish and red beans and rice all night long. It's not common to find a bar where everyone seems to know each other and yet newcomers don't feel excluded. Dozens of regulars turn up Thursdays for the open mic jazz jam sessions. Bert's serves the music fans bargain-price soul food from rows of steam tables: meat and two sides for nine bucks, or up to $25 for a whole slab of ribs. In keeping with Bert's bare-bones, working-class atmosphere, their food is more down-home than much of the soul food you find in restaurants, which has often been upgraded from its humble origins.

Old Detroit haunt takes on new appeal. The Bronx is short on frills - no bands, no parking, no Red Bull or exotic martinis - but long on character. Its pool table, cheap beer (an ice-cold Old Milwaukee will set you back as much as your DDOT bus fare) and jukebox stocked with old soul, hip-hop and greasy rawk, keep the place packed with local rock stars, college kids and other Cass Corridor gritterati. Stop in on Thursdays for a haircut in the pinball salon - owner Paul Howard promises "a high-class do at dive-bar prices." Or come by with everyone else after a garage-rock show to see what (allegedly) makes the Bronx Jack White's favorite hometown drinking spot. At 4476 Second Avenue, Detroit. Call 313-832-8464 for further lowdown. -Ian LeBlanc

Only one of Centaur's 13 menu drinks includes any gin, James Bond be damned. Harrington's trying to lure downtown business types who want a sophisticated setting for their after-work nip, and he’s pleased that patrons are a disparate lot, both in age and ethnicity.

This is one of Metro-Detroit's oldest gathering spots. Originally opened just after the Great Depression, this Dearborn tavern has been fully renovated for the new millennium. Hardwood floors and rich mahogany appointments set the tone for this spacious bar. With new pool tables, shuffle board, darts and more there is always a challenge to be met. A premium sound system plays energized "dance" music from the 60's thru today at a volume you can talk over. The coldest direct draft beer system available offers imports and premiums along with 14 bottled choices. Catch the game on one of our three T.V.s or just hang out.

Fine-tuned big food and beers served in a communal, beer hall setting in a former church. Serving hearty, rustic, provincial fare with thirty-five beers on tap, a full bar, and a martini and single-malt scotch menu. Hunker down at the Clarkston Union's communal seating and dig into a family-size tray of mac 'n' cheese. Gift cards are available and are good up and down the block at the Clarkston Union, the Union General Store, the Clarkston Cafe and Pizza Coco. Also, cigar-friendly with a raw bar Thursday thru Saturday. Breakfast is available Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

One of Metro Detroit's favorite Cajun/Creole Restaurants. From the mouth-watering appetizers and authentic New Orleans house specialties, to the friendly service and French Quarter atmosphere, Fishbone's is truly first-class.